Yogyakarta

I was only back home in Denmark for five days after hiking the Camino in Spain before I traveled on to Indonesia to meet my friend. Our three-week trip started on Java, where we met in Yogyakarta, located roughly in the middle of the island. We had booked a nice Airbnb, which was quite centrally located, and we had a kind host who helped us arrange a private driver for one of the days.

We spent three wonderful days in the city, shopping on Malioboro Street, exploring beautiful temples, and getting around in local bicycle taxis.

7 things you must experience in Yogyakarta

1.. Malioboro Street
Yogyakarta’s most famous street, where you can experience local life, shop for souvenirs, and try delicious dishes from street vendors. In the evening, the street is full of life, music, and a cozy atmosphere.

2. Taman Sari (Water Palace)
Also known as the “Water Castle,” it was once a place for the Sultan of Yogyakarta to relax, bathe, and meditate. A historic site with beautiful architecture and a glimpse into royal life.

3. Punthuk Setumbu
A popular viewing platform known for its sunrise view over the Borobudur Temple and the surrounding landscapes. Unfortunately, when we visited, the weather was completely foggy, and we couldn’t see anything. But it looks beautiful in pictures.

4. Borobudur Temple
The world’s largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Borobudur is famous for its impressive stupas and beautiful reliefs that tell Buddhist stories. It was incredibly crowded and very hot, but it was still impressive!

Also read 5 days on Karimunjawa in Indonesia.

5. Prambanan Temple
This Hindu temple complex is renowned for its tall, slender spires that reach toward the sky. Prambanan is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and definitely worth a visit.

6. Becak (Bicycle Taxi)
A fun and authentic way to get around Yogyakarta. A becak is a type of bicycle taxi where you sit in front while the driver sits behind and pedals—often with a motor. It was totally relaxing to experience the city this way, especially after walking around in the heat for a long time.

7. Wayang Puppets
Wayang is a traditional Indonesian form of puppet theater, especially popular on Java and Bali. The puppets are often carved from leather or wood and painted in beautiful colors. A chatty man on the street managed to lure us to his small shop, where they sold handmade Wayang puppets. We knew they try to trap tourists in all sorts of ways, but we genuinely thought the puppets were beautiful, and we ended up buying one each to take home.